THE CURRENT STATUS AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT ISSUES OF PASTURE AND HAYFIELD LANDS IN AZERBAIJAN

The article examines the current state of pastures and hayfields in Azerbaijan and the challenges related to their rational use. The limited availability of land resources and excessive grazing pressure have led to soil degradation, erosion, and ecosystem imbalance. The causes of desertification, the impact of overgrazing, and the insufficient implementation of agro-technical standards are analyzed. Special attention is given to state policy measures aimed at improving pasture management, restoring soil fertility, and introducing rotational grazing systems. The study concludes that strengthening land management mechanisms and adopting sustainable livestock practices are essential for ensuring long-term agricultural and environmental stability. Winter pastures (seasonal pastures located in lowland and plain zones) in particular play an important role in the stability of livestock farming. These areas are mainly widespread in the Kura-Araz lowland and the Mil-Mugan plain. However, climate change, anthropogenic pressure and management problems are reducing their productivity. The number of animals significantly exceeds the carrying capacity of pastures. While the total capacity of existing winter pastures and summer pastures is designed for about 3 million heads of small and large horned animals, the actual indicators are several times higher. In Azerbaijan, excessive grazing and hayfield loading leads to soil degradation, desertification, and ecosystem destruction. The current situation poses a risk to the long-term development of livestock farming. The following are necessary to ensure sustainable development: • Accurate inventory of pastures; • Application of systematic and rotational grazing methods; • Restoration of soil fertility; • Expansion of the feed base; • Strengthening state control; • Protection of ecological balance. Protection of soil resources is one of the main conditions for the ecological security of not only the agricultural sector, but also the country as a whole.